Joanna Nelson, 89, St. Paul, MN formerly of Devils Lake and Cando, ND died Saturday, December 5, 2009 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Home, St. Paul.

Joanna Kurtz was born on May 10, 1920 at Orrin, ND to Michael and Frances (Schmidt) Kurtz.  Joanna was raised and educated in country schools near Orrin, ND.  She moved with her parents to Devils Lake.  Joanna was united in marriage on April 7, 1942 to Stanley E. Nelson at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devils Lake.  The couple farmed in Zion Township west of Cando until they retired and moved into Cando in 1979. Stanley died October 1, 1992.

Joanna was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church along with its Christian Mothers of Cando, Zion Homemakers Club, American Bowling Congress and a 47 year league bowler at Cando Lanes.  She enjoyed entertaining in her home, playing cards, bowling, dancing, traveling, baking and making blankets for all of her grandchildren.

Joanna is survived by her children: Karen Knoke,of  Las Vegas, NV; Edward (Catherine) Nelson, of Howell, MI; Rachel (William Totten) Nelson, of St. Paul, MN; Sandra (Steven) Hvinden, of  Boulder City, NV and Mark (Pamela) Nelson, of Crystal Lake, IL.  12 Grandchildren: Scott (Georgia) Knoke,  Tamara (Lorel) Myxter; Michele Nelson ;  Bryan (Bonnie) Nelson,  John Totten ; Daniel and Joseph Totten ; Shane Hvinden; Stephanie (Devon) West, and Stacey Hvinden; Virginia and Nicholas Nelson.  9 Great- Grandchildren: Nicole and Derek Knoke; Kya and Cooper Knoke; Kaidra, Kailee and Koby Myxter; Mackenzie Hvinden and Anna Nelson.  Other survivors include her brother Michael Kurtz, Devils Lake; sisters: Margaret Bischoff, Rugby and Phyllis Miller, Brooklyn, MI. Besides her husband, Stanley,  Joanna was preceded in death by her parents, 5 brothers, 3 sisters and a son-in-law.

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, December 12, 2009 11:00 AM Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cando

Visitation: Friday, December 11, 2009 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Dunnigan-Dix Funeral Home, Cando.  Also one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.

Vigil Service and Rosary: Friday, December 11, 2009 7:00 PM at Dunnigan-Dix Funeral Home, Cando

Interment: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Cando